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Moundsville Prison
One of America's most violent prisons held inmates for over a century. Nearly 100 men were executed here. Riots, murders, and suicide were common. It closed in 1995. The inmates never left. Shadow figures lurk in cells. Footsteps follow visitors.
1876 - Present
Moundsville, West Virginia, USA
5000+ witnesses
Moundsville Penitentiary is one of America’s most haunted prisons.
The History
West Virginia Penitentiary:
- Opened 1876
- Gothic architecture
- Maximum security
- Closed 1995
- 119 years of suffering
The Violence
What happened:
- 94 executions
- Hanging then electric chair
- Inmate murders
- Guard deaths
- Constant brutality
The Conditions
How inmates lived:
- 5x7 foot cells
- Designed for one
- Held three
- No plumbing initially
- Inhumane conditions
The Executions
How they died:
- Hanging (1899-1949)
- Electric chair (1951-1959)
- “Old Sparky”
- Shadow District
- North Wagon Gate
The Hauntings
What’s reported:
- Shadow figures in cells
- Voices and screams
- Cold spots
- Physical touches
- Maintenance area especially
Today
Current status:
- Historic tours
- Ghost tours
- Overnight investigations
- Popular location
- Very active